But the British Medical Association says services are not equipped to deal with the increasing demand.

Sally Bussingham had suffered depression for years and in her early teens started self-harming and developing eating problems.

But it was not until she saw a film on TV about anorexia and bulimia when she was 15 that she realised she had a mental health problem.

Ms Bussingham, 21, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said: "I didn't know much about it, but suddenly it clicked. I started doing some research on the Internet and found out some more information and decided to go to the doctor."

But despite appealing for help, she was left frustrated by the support given to her by the NHS.